Astigmatism is a mild imperfection in the curvature of the eye, which can cause blurred vision but is easily treatable.

Astigmatism occurs when a surface curvature exists in the front surface of the eye (cornea) or the lens, inside your eye. The surface may have some areas that are flatter or steeper than others rather than being smooth and flat all around. A distorted shape in the cornea is known as corneal astigmatism. The same is true for distortion in the lens. That condition is known as lenticular astigmatism. Blurred vision, which occurs more in one direction than in another and at all distances can result from either type of astigmatism.

The condition tends to remain constant, neither improving nor deteriorating much as time progresses.

Signs and symptoms of astigmatism may include:

• Distortion in portions of your visual field
  
  
• Blurring of vertical, horizontal or diagonal lines

Within the human eye are two parts that are responsible for focusing images. They are the cornea and the lens. In an eye with a prefect shape, both the cornea and the lens have a perfectly smooth curvature like the surface of a rubber ball. The curvature allows the cornea to bend (refract) all incoming light the same way and makes a sharply focused image on the back of the eye (retina).

With astigmatism, the cornea or lens is curved more steeply in one direction than in another. This prevents light rays from being refracted properly and results in what’s known as a refractive error. Astigmatism is just one type of refractive error. Uncorrected astigmatism blurs your vision.

Astigmatism may occur in combination with other refractive errors, which include:

Nearsightedness (myopia) - This occurs when the cornea is excessively curved or the eye is abnormally long. Rather than being focused precisely on the retina, light is focused in front of the retina, which makes distant objects appear blurred.

Farsightedness (hyperopia) - This occurs when the cornea lacks enough of a curve or the eye is abnormally short. The effect is the opposite of nearsightedness. When your eye is in a relaxed state, light is focused behind the back of your eye, making objects nearby appear blurred.

The following supplements may be helpful in treating astigmatism naturally:

DHA (take as directed on label) - Essential for mental and visual function.

Vitamin A (take as directed on label) - Important for strong healthy eyes.

Retinal (take as directed on label) - Regulates the development of various tissues, such as the cells of the skin, eyes and the lining of the lungs and intestines.

Magnesium (100 mg daily) - Improves vision in those with vision problems.

Selenium (100 mcg daily) - Supports eye health.

Digestive Enzymes (take as directed on label) - Increases the absorption of needed minerals such as vitamin A, zinc and copper for retinal health.

Taurine (take as directed on label) reduces the oxidative damage caused by sunlight to the eyes and stimulates the body's ability to clean up waste by-products that accumulate in the retina.

Multi-Mineral Supplement (take as directed on label) - Replenishes mineral balance.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin (take as directed on label) - Act as a filter to protect the eye from potentially damaging forms of light.

Bilberry - Enhances night vision and may also slow the progression of eye problems.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.